Noise level measurement with mobile devices, location services, and environmental response

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatuses for noise management are disclosed. In one example, a method includes receiving a plurality of noise level measurements. The method includes receiving a plurality of location data. In one example, the method further includes adjusting an environmental parameter utilizing the noise level measurements. In one example, the method further includes providing location services to a user directing the user to a geographical area having a lower noise level.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application relating to andclaiming the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/243,814,titled “Noise Level Measurement with Mobile Devices, Location Services,and Environmental Response,” having a filing date of Apr. 2, 2014. Thecontent of the aforesaid application is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As real estate utilization increases and offices become more denselypacked, speech noise is becoming an increasingly challenging problem.Intelligible speech decreases productivity, speech privacy, and comfort.

There is a need for quiet in the workplace. According to research byGensler, American knowledge workers spend 54% of their workweekfocusing—as compared to collaborating (24%), learning (5%), socializing(8%), or other (9%). When focusing, 53% of employees are disturbed byothers, with speech noise being the top distraction. Speech noise doesnot occur uniformly throughout an office, but rather differentially withrespect to time and location.

Sound masking—the introduction of constant background noise in order toreduce speech intelligibility, increase speech privacy, and increaseacoustical comfort—is increasingly incorporated into offices as asolution. Sound masking typically relies on filtered pink noise playedby speakers in the ceiling plenum.

One problem in designing an optimal sound masking system relates tosetting the proper masking levels. Sound masking levels are set duringinstallation and can be adjusted at a later time. Typically, the levelsare set equally on all speakers but levels may be adjusted to accountfor environmental variations or personal preferences. In either case,levels are typically set during installation and then never, or onlyinfrequently, adjusted. The problem with this is that office noisefluctuates over time and by location, and different masking levels arerequired for different areas and at different times. An acousticalconsultant installing a sound masking system outside of normal workinghours is unlikely to properly address this problem and the maskinglevels will therefore be sub-optimal.

Solutions to employees' need for quiet range from acoustic design(absorptive paneling and carpets, high cubicle walls, sound masking,etc.) to the creation of focus rooms and enforcement of quiet policies.However, these solutions are often inadequate to provide the necessarydesired quiet.

As a result, improved methods and apparatuses for noise management areneeded.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be readily understood by the followingdetailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for noise level management in one example.

FIG. 2 illustrates a simplified block diagram of devices shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 3 illustrates mobile device data in one example.

FIG. 4 illustrates a noise masking system in one example.

FIG. 5 illustrates placement of the speakers in a noise masking systemin one example.

FIG. 6 illustrates a noise masking system in a further example.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating adjusting an environmentalparameter utilizing noise level measurements in one example.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating identifying geographical areashaving higher noise levels and lower noise levels in one example.

FIG. 9 illustrates providing location services to a user in one example.

FIG. 10 illustrates the water element system shown in FIG. 6 in oneexample.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Methods and apparatuses for noise management are disclosed. Thefollowing description is presented to enable any person skilled in theart to make and use the invention. Descriptions of specific embodimentsand applications are provided only as examples and various modificationswill be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The generalprinciples defined herein may be applied to other embodiments andapplications without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widestscope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalentsconsistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

Block diagrams of example systems are illustrated and described forpurposes of explanation. The functionality that is described as beingperformed by a single system component may be performed by multiplecomponents. Similarly, a single component may be configured to performfunctionality that is described as being performed by multiplecomponents. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technicalmaterial that is known in the technical fields related to the inventionhave not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure thepresent invention. It is to be understood that various example of theinvention, although different, are not necessarily mutually exclusive.Thus, a particular feature, characteristic, or structure described inone example embodiment may be included within other embodiments unlessotherwise noted.

In one example, a method includes receiving a plurality of noise levelmeasurements taken at a plurality of headsets, including receiving anoise level measurement for each headset in the plurality of headsets.The method includes receiving a plurality of location data, comprisingreceiving a location data associated with each headset in the pluralityof headsets, and generating a map based upon the plurality of noiselevel measurements and the plurality of location data. The methodfurther includes adjusting an environmental parameter utilizing thenoise level measurements.

In one example, a method includes receiving a plurality of noise levelmeasurements taken at a plurality of mobile devices, including receivinga noise level measurement for each mobile device in the plurality ofmobile devices. The method includes receiving a plurality of locationdata, comprising receiving a location data associated with each mobiledevice in the plurality of mobile devices. The method further includesidentifying a geographical area having a higher noise level and ageographical area having a lower noise level.

In one example, a system includes a plurality of mobile devices, a noisemasking system, and a computing device. The computing device includes aprocessor, and a memory storing an application program executable by theprocessor. The application program includes instructions to receivenoise level measurements taken at the plurality of mobile devices andadjust a sound masking volume level output from the noise maskingsystem.

In one example of the invention, a headset is utilized to report wearerspeech level information to a server, which then analyzes thatinformation in order to: (1) Create workplace “heat maps” showingvolumes of headset usage throughout the environment, (2) Identify “hotspots” and “quiet zones” based on headset levels, (3) Provide locationservices to the user in order to direct the user to the location of a“hot spot” or “quiet zone”, and (4) Make environmental changes inresponse to headset volume information. Use of a headset in one exampleis particularly advantageous for noise reporting and use in soundmasking system applications. Relative to measuring noise levels atceiling level, the use of a headset advantageously allows for readingnoise levels at head level to more accurately report noise levels due todisruptive human speech. As such, noise masking levels can be adjustedmore accurately. In a further example, another type of wearable deviceis utilized, such as a wrist worn bracelet or watch form factor.Advantageously, the methods and systems described herein create valuefor end users by enabling individuals to mitigate the effects of noise,including disruptive speech noise.

The headset measures speech level in decibels (dB) and reports thatinformation, in addition to a unique identifier, to the server in one ormore of the following ways: (1) Bluetooth/DECT/Wi-Fi connection to aphone, laptop, tablet, or other host device that relays the informationto the server, (2) Bluetooth/DECT/Wi-Fi connection to a sound maskingdevice that relays the information to the server, or (3) Directconnection to the server via Wi-Fi network connection.

In one example, when donned (i.e., worn on the user ear), the headsetbegins measuring the speech level of the wearer in dB using the headsetmicrophone. In another embodiment, the headset randomly measures speechlevel in dB, or does it at specified times, but does so only when theheadset is donned. The speech level in dB and unique ID are transmittedvia one of the methods described above to the server. At that time,location information is also provided using GPS coordinates in theheadset or host device, or triangulated using Wi-Fi access points.

Once this information is received by the server, application logic isused to produce “heat maps”—statistical and graphical representations ofheadset usage throughout the environment. The “heat maps” display volumeinformation received from donned headsets, including graphicalrepresentations of volume levels.

In one example, methods and systems are provided to help workers findproductive places to work. The collection of speech levels in dBcombined with location information is processed on the server by anapplication that creates statistical and graphical representations of“hot spots”—where headset noise levels are high—and “quiet zones”—whereheadset noise levels are low. High and low noise levels can be displayedin terms of absolute level in dB in order to identify loud and quietindividuals. The zones can also be displayed in terms of cumulative dBof all headsets in the surrounding area (noise “density”), in order todetermine zones that are particularly loud or quiet. These zones can bedisplayed in real time or using time-weighted averages. The former willenable individuals to find the quietest or loudest zone at that presenttime, and the time weighted average can be useful in noise prediction.

In one example, in addition to locating hot spots and quiet zones on amap, the invention acts as an indoor positioning system capable ofdirecting the user to the hot spot or quiet zone (or any other location)that the user would like to find. The invention uses the existing Wi-Fiinfrastructure to provide “anchors” or “nodes,” which either activelylocate devices or provide environmental context for devices to sense. Inanother embodiment, the invention does not rely on the existing Wi-Fiinfrastructure, but rather supplants or supplements the existinginfrastructure using wireless capabilities built into the sound maskingspeakers themselves. The device used can be a computer, tablet, orsmartphone, or a wearable device such as a headset.

In one example, in response to headset speech level reporting, thesystem makes changes to the physical environment. One such change is toincrease or reduce the volume of the sound masking in order to maintainan optimal masking level, even as speech noise levels change. Anothersuch change is to modify the masking sound source—for example, from afiltered pink noise to the sound of running water—in response to volumeor noise density information.

Another such change is to modify the masking sound spectrum—for example,from a filtered pink noise to a noise that is closer to brown noise—inresponse to volume or noise density information. Another such change isto modify the flow rate of an office water feature, if one is installedas part of a masking system as described herein.

Another such change is to increase or decrease the lighting level, or tochange the color of ambient lighting. The Color Marketing Group ofAlexandria, Va., for example, describes that “yellow is happy andenergetic,” orange “connotes informality and playfulness,” blues lowerblood pressure and pulse rates,” and pink acts as a tranquilizer.”Changes to light level and spectrum work hand-in-hand with a soundmasking system to help manage speech noise levels.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for noise level management in one example.The system includes a headset 10 in proximity to a user 2, a mobiledevice 8 in proximity to a user 6, and a mobile device 8 and headset 10in proximity to a user 4. The system also includes a server 16 capableof communications with these devices via one or more communicationnetwork(s) 14. User 4 may utilize the headset 10 with the mobile device8 over wireless link 36 to transmit noise level measurements made atheadset 10. For example, communication network(s) 14 may include anInternet Protocol (IP) network, cellular communications network, publicswitched telephone network, IEEE 802.11 wireless network, Bluetoothnetwork, or any combination thereof. In the example shown in FIG. 1, thesystem includes a noise masking system 12.

Mobile device 8 may, for example, be any mobile computing device,including without limitation a mobile phone, laptop, PDA, headset,tablet computer, or smartphone. In a further example, mobile device 8may be any device worn on a user body, including a bracelet, wristwatch,etc.

Mobile devices 8 are capable of communication with server 16 viacommunication network(s) 14 over network connections 34. Networkconnections 34 may be a wired connection or wireless connection. In oneexample, network connection 34 is a wired or wireless connection to theInternet to access server 16. For example, mobile device 8 includes awireless transceiver to connect to an IP network via a wireless AccessPoint utilizing an IEEE 802.11 communications protocol. In one example,network connections 34 are wireless cellular communications links.Similarly, headset 10 at user 2 is capable of communication with server16 via communication network(s) 14 over network connection 30.

Server 16 includes a noise level management application 18 interfacingwith one or more of mobile devices 8 and headsets 10 to receive noiselevel measurements from and provide location services to users 2, 4, and6. In one example, noise level management application 18 stores mobiledevice data 20 received from mobile devices 8 and headsets 10.

In one example, the noise level management application 18 is configuredto receive noise level measurements taken at the plurality of mobiledevices (e.g., mobile devices 8 and headsets 10) and adjust a soundmasking volume level output from the noise masking system 12.

In one example, the noise level management application 18 is configuredto adjust a sound masking sound type output from the noise maskingsystem 12 from a first masking sound type to a second masking soundtype. For example, the noise masking sound type is adjusted from afiltered pink noise to the sound of running water. In one example, thenoise level management application 18 is configured to modify themasking sound spectrum—for example, from a filtered pink noise to anoise that is closer to brown noise.

In one example, the noise level management application 18 is configuredto receive from the plurality of mobile devices a location dataassociated with each mobile device in the plurality of mobile devices.The noise level management application 18 generates a map based upon thenoise level measurements and the location data associated with theplurality of mobile devices. In one example, the noise level managementapplication 18 provides location services to a user (e.g., user 2, user4, or user 6) directing the user to a geographical area having a highernoise level or a geographical area having a lower noise level.

In one example operation, mobile devices (i.e., mobile devices 8 andheadsets 10) and server 16 perform operations including receiving aplurality of noise level measurements taken at a plurality of mobiledevices. The operations include receiving a plurality of location data,including receiving a location data associated with each mobile device,and generating a map based upon the plurality of noise levelmeasurements and the plurality of location data. The operations furtherinclude adjusting an environmental parameter utilizing the noise levelmeasurements. In one example, the noise level measurement is a headsetwearer speech level during a telephone call.

In one example, the operations further include identifying ageographical area having a higher noise level and a geographical areahaving a lower noise level. Location services are provided to a userdirecting the user to the geographical area having a higher noise levelor the geographical area having a lower noise level. In one example, theoperations further include receiving a unique identifier associated witheach noise level measurement and each location data. For example, theunique identifier may be a device serial number. In one example, forheadsets 10, the operations further include detecting a headset wornstate of a headset, measuring a noise level at a headset microphone ofthe headset, and transmitting the noise level measurement from theheadset to a remote computing device (e.g., to server 16 directly or viaa mobile device 8).

In one example, adjusting the environmental parameter utilizing thenoise level measurements includes adjusting a sound masking volume leveloutput by noise masking system 12. In a further example, adjusting theenvironmental parameter utilizing the noise level measurements includesadjusting a sound masking sound type from a first masking sound type toa second masking sound type. In yet another example, adjusting theenvironmental parameter utilizing the noise level measurements includesadjusting a lighting level or a lighting color. In various examples, theenvironmental parameter adjusted may be anything which mitigates theeffects of noise. Further examples of environmental parameters which maybe adjusted include adjusting an air conditioning output level, turningcomputer screens on/off, etc.

FIG. 2 illustrates a simplified block diagram of the mobile device 8 andheadset 10 shown in FIG. 1. In one example, the mobile device 8 and theheadset 10 each include a two-way RF communication device having datacommunication capabilities. The mobile device 8 and headset 10 may havethe capability to communicate with other computer systems via a local orwide area network.

Mobile device 8 includes input/output (I/O) device(s) 52 configured tointerface with the user, including a microphone 54 operable to receive auser voice input or other audio, a speaker 56, and a display device 58.I/O device(s) 52 may also include additional input devices, such as akeyboard, touch screen, etc., and additional output devices. In someembodiments, I/O device(s) 52 may include one or more of a liquidcrystal display (LCD), an alphanumeric input device, such as a keyboard,and/or a cursor control device.

The mobile device 8 includes a processor 50 configured to execute codestored in a memory 60. Processor 50 executes a noise level managementapplication 62 and a location service module 64 to perform functionsdescribed herein. Although shown as separate applications, noise levelmanagement application 62 and location service module 64 may beintegrated into a single application.

Utilizing noise level management application 62, mobile device 8 isoperable to receive noise level measurements, including speech levels,made at headset 10. Noise level management application 62 is operable tomeasure noise levels at mobile device 8 utilizing microphone 54.

In operation, mobile device 8 utilizes location service module 64 todetermine the present location of mobile device 8 for reporting toserver 16 together with noise level measurements. In one example, mobiledevice 8 is a mobile device utilizing the Android operating system andthe headset 10 is a wireless headset. The location service module 64utilizes location services offered by the Android device (GPS, WiFi, andcellular network) to determine and log the location of the mobile device8 and in turn the connected headset 10, which is deemed to have the samelocation as the mobile device when connected. In further examples, oneor more of GPS, WiFi, or cellular network may be utilized to determinelocation. The GPS may be capable of determining the location of mobiledevice 8 to within a few inches.

While only a single processor 50 is shown, mobile device 8 may includemultiple processors and/or co-processors, or one or more processorshaving multiple cores. The processor 50 and memory 60 may be provided ona single application-specific integrated circuit, or the processor 50and the memory 60 may be provided in separate integrated circuits orother circuits configured to provide functionality for executing programinstructions and storing program instructions and other data,respectively. Memory 60 also may be used to store temporary variables orother intermediate information during execution of instructions byprocessor 50.

Memory 60 may include both volatile and non-volatile memory such asrandom access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). Device event datafor mobile device 8 and headset 10 may be stored in memory 60, includingnoise level measurements and location data for mobile device 8 and/orheadset 10. For example, this data may include time and date data, andlocation data for each noise level measurement.

Mobile device 8 includes communication interface(s) 40, one or more ofwhich may utilize antenna(s) 46. The communications interface(s) 40 mayalso include other processing means, such as a digital signal processorand local oscillators. Communication interface(s) 40 include atransceiver 42 and a transceiver 44. In one example, communicationsinterface(s) 40 include one or more short-range wireless communicationssubsystems which provide communication between mobile device 8 anddifferent systems or devices. For example, transceiver 44 may be ashort-range wireless communication subsystem operable to communicatewith headset 10 using a personal area network or local area network. Theshort-range communications subsystem may include an infrared device andassociated circuit components for short-range communication, a nearfield communications (NFC) subsystem, a Bluetooth subsystem including atransceiver, or an IEEE 802.11 (WiFi) subsystem in various non-limitingexamples.

In one example, transceiver 42 is a long range wireless communicationssubsystem, such as a cellular communications subsystem. Transceiver 42may provide wireless communications using, for example, Time Division,Multiple Access (TDMA) protocols, Global System for MobileCommunications (GSM) protocols, Code Division, Multiple Access (CDMA)protocols, and/or any other type of wireless communications protocol.

Interconnect 48 may communicate information between the variouscomponents of mobile device 8. Instructions may be provided to memory 60from a storage device, such as a magnetic device, read-only memory, viaa remote connection (e.g., over a network via communication interface(s)40) that may be either wireless or wired providing access to one or moreelectronically accessible media. In alternative examples, hard-wiredcircuitry may be used in place of or in combination with softwareinstructions, and execution of sequences of instructions is not limitedto any specific combination of hardware circuitry and softwareinstructions.

Mobile device 8 may include operating system code and specificapplications code, which may be stored in non-volatile memory. Forexample the code may include drivers for the mobile device 8 and codefor managing the drivers and a protocol stack for communicating with thecommunications interface(s) 40 which may include a receiver and atransmitter and is connected to antenna(s) 46. Communicationinterface(s) 40 provides a wireless interface for communication withheadset 10.

Similarly, headset 10 includes communication interface(s) 70, antenna74, memory 80, and I/O device(s) 86 substantially similar to thatdescribed above for mobile device 8. Input/output (I/O) device(s) 86 areconfigured to interface with the user, and include a microphone 88operable to receive a user voice input and a speaker 90 to output audio.

The headset 10 includes an interconnect 76 to transfer data and aprocessor 78 is coupled to interconnect 76 to process data. Theprocessor 78 may execute a number of applications that control basicoperations, such as data and voice communications via the communicationinterface(s) 70. Communication interface(s) 70 include wirelesstransceiver(s) 72 operable to communication with a communicationinterface(s) 40 at mobile device 8. The block diagrams shown for mobiledevice 8 and headset 10 do not necessarily show how the differentcomponent blocks are physically arranged on mobile device 8 or headset10. For example, transceivers 42, 44, and 72 may be separated intotransmitters and receivers.

The communications interface(s) 70 may also include other processingmeans, such as a digital signal processor and local oscillators.Communication interface(s) 70 include one or more transceiver(s) 72. Inone example, communications interface(s) 70 include one or moreshort-range wireless communications subsystems which providecommunication between headset 10 and different systems or devices. Forexample, transceiver(s) 72 may be a short-range wireless communicationsubsystem operable to communicate with mobile device 8 using a personalarea network or local area network. The short-range communicationssubsystem may include one or more of: an infrared device and associatedcircuit components for short-range communication, a near fieldcommunications (NFC) subsystem, a Bluetooth subsystem including atransceiver, or an IEEE 802.11 (WiFi) subsystem in various non-limitingexamples.

Headset 10 includes a don/doff detector 92 capable of detecting whetherheadset 10 is being worn on the user ear, including whether the user hasshifted the headset from a not worn (i.e., doffed) state to a worn(i.e., donned) state. When headset 10 is properly worn, several surfacesof the headset touch or are in operable contact with the user. Thesetouch/contact points are monitored and used to determine the donned ordoffed state of the headset. In various examples, Don/Doff detector 92may operate based on motion detection, temperature detection, orcapacitance detection. For example, don/doff detector 92 is a capacitivesensor configured to detect whether it is in contact with user skinbased on a measured capacitance. Further discussion regarding the use ofsensors or detectors to detect a donned or doffed state can be found inthe commonly assigned and co-pending U.S. patent application entitled“Donned and Doffed Headset State Detection” (Attorney Docket No.:01-7308), which was filed on Oct. 2, 2006, and which is herebyincorporated into this disclosure by reference.

The headset 10 includes a processor 78 configured to execute code storedin a memory 80. Processor 78 executes a noise level managementapplication 82 and a location service module 84 to perform functionsdescribed herein. Although shown as separate applications, noise levelmanagement application 82 and location service module 84 may beintegrated into a single application.

Utilizing noise level management application 82, headset 10 is operableto measure noise levels at headset 10 utilizing microphone 88. Noiselevel management application 82 transmits the measured noise levels toserver 16 directly or via mobile device 8, depending upon the currentconnectivity mode of headset 10 to either communication network(s)directly via connection 30 or to mobile device 8 via link 36, as shownin FIG. 1.

In one example operation, headset 10 utilizes location service module 84to determine the present location of headset 10 for reporting to server16 together with noise level measurements. For example, where headset 10connects to communication network(s) 14 via WiFi, the location servicemodule 84 utilizes WiFi triangulation methods to determine the locationof headset 10.

FIG. 3 illustrates mobile device data 20 in one example. Mobile devicedata 20 may be stored in a table including unique identifiers 302,measured noise levels 304, and locations 306. For each user deviceunique identifier (e.g., a headset or mobile device serial number, userID, MAC address), the measured noise level at the device and thelocation of the device is recorded for use by noise level managementapplication 18 as described herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates a noise masking system 12 in one example. Noisemasking (also referred to as “sound masking”) is the introduction ofconstant background noise in a space in order to reduce speechintelligibility, increase speech privacy, and increase acousticalcomfort. For example, a pink noise, filtered pink noise, brown noise, orother similar noise (herein referred to simply as “pink noise”) may beinjected into the open office. Pink noise is effective in reducingspeech intelligibility, increasing speech privacy, and increasingacoustical comfort.

Noise masking system 12 includes a plurality of loudspeakers 100 undercontrol of a computing device 402. In one example, computing device 402is server 16 shown in FIG. 1. In a further example, computing device 402interfaces with server 16 to receive control signals.

Referring to FIG. 4, placement of a plurality of loudspeakers 100 in aspace 400 is shown in one example. For example, space 400 may be a largeroom of an office building. The system includes a computing device 402including a processor and a memory storing application programcomprising instructions executable by the processor to performoperations as described herein to output noise masking signals.Computing device 402 is capable of electronic communications with eachloudspeaker 100 via either a wired or wireless communications link. Forexample, computing device 402 and loudspeakers 100 are connected via oneor more communications networks such as a local area network (LAN) or anInternet Protocol network.

In one example, each loudspeaker 100 is network addressable and has aunique Internet Protocol address for individual control. Loudspeaker 100includes a processor operably coupled to a network interface, outputtransducer, memory, amplifier, and power source. Loudspeaker 100 alsoincludes a near-field wireless interface utilized to link with a controldevice such as computing device 402.

In one example, the network interface is a wireless transceiver andaccompanying antenna for communications with a wireless router or accesspoint. For example, the wireless transceiver is a Bluetooth or IEEE802.11 transceiver. In a further example, the network interface is awired interface, such as that an Ethernet jack used to connect tocomputing device 402 over the Internet or a local area network. Theprocessor allows for processing data, including managing noise maskingsignals over the network interface, and may include a variety ofprocessors (e.g., digital signal processors), with conventional CPUsbeing applicable. In one example, each loudspeaker 100 may serve aslocation beacon which may be utilized to determine the proximity of aheadset 10 or mobile device 8 to the loudspeaker 100, and in turn, thelocation of headset 10 or mobile device 8.

In the system illustrated in FIG. 4, sound is output from loudspeakers100 corresponding to a noise masking signal configured to mask openspace noise. In one example, the noise masking signal is a random noisesuch as pink noise. The sound operates to mask open space noise heard bya person in open space 400. In one example, the masking levels areadvantageously dynamically adjusted in response to the noise levelmeasurements. In one example, masking levels are adjusted on aspeaker-by-speaker basis in order to address location-specific noiselevels.

In response to headset speech level reporting, noise masking system 12makes changes to the physical environment, including (1) increasing orreducing the volume of the sound masking in order to maintain an optimalmasking level, even as speech noise levels change, (2) modifying themasking sound source—for example, from a filtered pink noise to thesound of running water, (3) modifying the masking sound spectrum—forexample, from a filtered pink noise to a noise that is closer to brownnoise—in response to volume or noise density information, or (4)increasing or decreasing the lighting level, or to changing the color ofambient lighting in open space 400.

Sound masking systems may be: (1) in-plenum and (2) direct field. FIG. 5illustrates placement of the loudspeakers 100 shown in FIG. 4 in oneexample. In-plenum systems involve speakers installed above the ceilingtiles and below the ceiling deck. The speakers are generally orientedupwards, so that the masking sound reflects off of the ceiling deck,becoming diffuse. This makes it more difficult for workers to identifythe source of the masking sound and thereby makes the sound lessnoticeable. In one example, each speaker 100 is one of a plurality ofloudspeakers which are disposed in a plenum above the open space andarranged to direct the speaker sound in a direction opposite the openspace. In a further example, a “Direct field” system is used, wherebythe masking sound travels directly from the speakers to a listenerwithout interacting with any reflecting or transmitting feature.

FIG. 6 illustrates a noise masking system 12 in a further example. Inthis example, noise masking system includes a plurality of loudspeakers100 and a water element system 602. FIG. 6 illustrates placement of theloudspeakers 100 and the water element system 602 in an open space 600in one example. For example, open space 600 may be a large room of anoffice building in which employee cubicles are placed. The water elementsystem 602 is arranged to be easily visible within the open space. Inone example, the water element system 602 is a floor-to-ceilingwaterfall including an upper reservoir which receives water from a watersupply, and a lower reservoir (e.g., a floor basin) to receive waterwhich has fallen from the upper reservoir. The waterfall includes waterrecirculation tubes for recirculating water from the lower reservoirback to the upper reservoir, and a recirculation pump to recirculate thewater through the recirculation tubes up to the upper reservoir. In oneimplementation, water falls from upper reservoir to the lower reservoiralong the surfaces of one or more vertical glass panels disposed betweenthe upper reservoir and the lower reservoir. FIG. 10 illustrates thewater element system 602 shown in FIG. 6 in one example.

In one example, the speaker 100 is one of a plurality of loudspeakerswhich are disposed in a plenum above the open space and arranged todirect the speaker sound in a direction opposite the open space. FIG. 5illustrates placement of the speaker 100 shown in FIG. 6 in one example.The speaker sound is then reflected by the open space ceiling down intothe open space. The speaker sound is the sound of a flow of water. Inone example, the sound corresponding to the flow of water is a recordingof a natural flow of water or an electronically synthesized sound offlow of water. In one example, the sound corresponding to a flow ofwater has been optimized to mask open space noise. For example, arecording of the flow of water used to generate sound 4 has beenprocessed to add 2-4 dB per octave higher frequency boost.

In one example, the loudspeaker 100 is one of a plurality of speakersdisposed at varying distances from the water element system 602, wherean output level of the speaker sound from a speaker is adjusted based onthe distance of the loudspeaker 100 from the water element system 602.The speaker output level is adjusted so that the sound level of theflowing water (the sound from the water element system 602 combined withthe sound of flowing water output from speaker 100) is consistentthroughout the open space. At locations in close proximity to waterelement system 602, water sound from the water element system 602 isheard. As such, the output level of a speaker 100 in close proximity towater element system 602 is reduced relative to a speaker 100 furtheraway. In one example, sound from the loudspeakers 100 have beenprocessed to match the frequency characteristics of water soundemanating from water element system 602 so that the user is under theimpression that speaker sound is emanating from water element system 602instead of speaker 100.

In this manner, the water element system 602 may be constructed so thatit need not be so loud so as to be heard throughout the open space inorder for the water sound to be an effective noise masker. This reducesthe possibility that workers in close proximity to the water elementsystem 602 will find the water sound too loud and annoying whileallowing workers further away to hear water sound at a sufficient levelto provide effective masking of the open space noise. Furtherdescription of the noise masking system shown in FIG. 6 can be found incommonly assigned and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/136,372 entitled “Masking Open Space Noise Using Sound andCorresponding Visual” (Attorney Docket No. 01-7835), which was filedDec. 20, 2013, and which is hereby incorporated into this disclosure byreference for all purposes. In response to headset speech levelreporting, noise masking system 12 makes changes to the physicalenvironment, including modifying the flow rate of water element system602 and/or the output level of the water sound from loudspeakers 100.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating adjusting an environmentalparameter utilizing noise level measurements in one example. Forexample, the process illustrated may be implemented by the system shownin FIG. 1.

At block 702, a plurality of noise level measurements taken at aplurality of headsets are received. In one example, the noise levelmeasurement is a headset wearer speech level during a telephone call. Inone example, the process further includes detecting a headset worn stateof a headset, measuring a noise level at a headset microphone of theheadset, and transmitting the noise level measurement from the headsetto a remote computing device.

At block 704, a plurality of location data is received. In one example,a unique identifier associated with each noise level measurement andeach location data is received. At block 706, a map is generated basedupon the plurality of noise level measurements and the plurality oflocation data.

At block 708, an environmental parameter is adjusted utilizing the noiselevel measurements. In one example, adjusting the environmentalparameter utilizing the noise level measurements includes adjusting asound masking volume level. In one example, adjusting an environmentalparameter utilizing the noise level measurements includes adjusting asound masking sound type from a first masking sound type to a secondmasking sound type. In one example, adjusting an environmental parameterutilizing the noise level measurements includes adjusting a lightinglevel or a lighting color.

In one example, a geographical area having a higher noise level and ageographical area having a lower noise level is identified. Locationservices are provided to a user directing the user to the geographicalarea having a higher noise level or the geographical area having a lowernoise level.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating identifying geographical areashaving higher noise levels and lower noise levels in one example. Forexample, the process illustrated may be implemented by the system shownin FIG. 1. At block 802, a plurality of noise level measurements takenat a plurality of mobile devices are received. In one example, theplurality of mobile devices includes a plurality of headsets. Theprocess further includes detecting a headset worn state of a headset,measuring a noise level at a headset microphone of the headset, andtransmitting the noise level measurement from the headset to a remotecomputing device.

At block 804, a plurality of location data is received, includingreceiving a location data associated with each mobile device in theplurality of mobile devices. In one example, the method further includesreceiving a unique identifier associated with each noise levelmeasurement and each location data.

At block 806, a map is generated based upon the plurality of noise levelmeasurements and the plurality of location data. At block 808, ageographical area having a higher noise level is identified and ageographical area having a lower noise level is identified. In oneexample, the process further includes providing location services to auser directing the user to the geographical area having a higher noiselevel or the geographical area having a lower noise level.

In one example, the process further includes adjusting an environmentalparameter utilizing the noise level measurements. For example, adjustingthe environmental parameter utilizing the noise level measurementsincludes adjusting a sound masking volume level.

FIG. 9 illustrates providing location services to a user 910 in a floorplan 900 based on measured noise levels in one example. Floor plan 900includes a first room 902, a second room 904, a third room 906, and afourth room 908. For example, where floor plan 900 corresponds to theworkplace of a user 910, first room 902 may be a conference room, room904 may be an open space area, third room 906 may be a conference room,and fourth room 908 may be a conference room.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, mobile devices including mobiledevices 8 and headsets 10 are being used by persons 912, 914, 916, and918 at various locations within floor plan 900 as shown. Utilizing themethods and apparatuses described herein, noise level measurements takenat the mobile devices are received. Location data associated with eachmobile device is also received. Geographical areas having a higher noiselevel are identified and geographical areas having a lower noise levelare identified. For example, a server 16 may identify that rooms 904,906, and 908 have higher noise levels (due to speech by persons 912,914, 916, and 918) and identify that room 902 has no noise. Locationservices are provided to the user 910 via a mobile device 8 directingthe user 910 to room 902. In one example, as part of the locationservices, a map of floor plan 900 may be generated and provided to user910 based on the noise level measurements and the location data. Theuser may be directed to a more specific location, such as a particulararea in a room, a particular workstation, and so on.

While the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are describedand illustrated herein, it will be appreciated that they are merelyillustrative and that modifications can be made to these embodimentswithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Certainexamples described utilize headsets which are particularly advantageousfor the reasons described herein. In further examples, other devices,such as other body worn devices may be used in place of headsets,including wrist-worn devices. Acts described herein may be computerreadable and executable instructions that can be implemented by one ormore processors and stored on a computer readable memory or articles.The computer readable and executable instructions may include, forexample, application programs, program modules, routines andsubroutines, a thread of execution, and the like. In some instances, notall acts may be required to be implemented in a methodology describedherein.

Terms such as “component”, “module”, “circuit”, and “system” areintended to encompass software, hardware, or a combination of softwareand hardware. For example, a system or component may be a process, aprocess executing on a processor, or a processor. Furthermore, afunctionality, component or system may be localized on a single deviceor distributed across several devices. The described subject matter maybe implemented as an apparatus, a method, or article of manufactureusing standard programming or engineering techniques to producesoftware, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof to control oneor more computing devices.

Thus, the scope of the invention is intended to be defined only in termsof the following claims as may be amended, with each claim beingexpressly incorporated into this Description of Specific Embodiments asan embodiment of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving over an electroniccommunications link a plurality of noise level measurements taken with aplurality of microphones at a plurality of mobile devices located withina same building space; receiving a plurality of location data,comprising receiving a location data associated with each mobile devicein the plurality of mobile devices located within the same buildingspace; generating a map with a computing device, the map based upon theplurality of noise level measurements and the plurality of locationdata; identifying a geographical area within the same building spacehaving a higher noise level and a geographical area within the samebuilding space having a lower noise level; and providing locationservices to a user directing the user to the geographical area withinthe same building space having the higher noise level or thegeographical area within the same building space having the lower noiselevel.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one mobile device inthe plurality of mobile devices is a headset, and wherein at least onenoise level measurement in the plurality of noise level measurements isa headset wearer speech level during a telephone call.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising receiving a unique identifier associatedwith each noise level measurement and each location data.
 4. The methodof claim 1, wherein at least one mobile device in the plurality ofmobile devices comprises a headset, the method further comprising:detecting a headset worn state of the headset; measuring a noise levelat a headset microphone of the headset; and transmitting the noise levelfrom the headset to a remote computing device.
 5. The method of claim 1,further comprising adjusting a sound masking volume level utilizing theplurality of noise level measurements.
 6. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising adjusting a sound masking sound type from a first maskingsound type to a second masking sound type utilizing the plurality ofnoise level measurements.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein furthercomprising adjusting a lighting level or a lighting color in the samebuilding space utilizing the plurality of noise level measurements. 8.The method of claim 1, wherein the geographical area within the samebuilding space having the lower noise level comprises a conference room.9. A method comprising: receiving over an electronic communications linka plurality of noise level measurements taken at a plurality of mobiledevices located within a same building space; receiving at a computingdevice a plurality of location data, comprising receiving a locationdata associated with each mobile device in the plurality of mobiledevices located within the same building space; identifying with thecomputing device a geographical area within the same building spacehaving a higher noise level and a geographical area within the samebuilding space having a lower noise level; and providing at a userdevice a location of the geographical area within the same buildingspace having the lower noise level.
 10. The method of claim 9, whereinthe plurality of mobile devices comprise a plurality of headsets. 11.The method of claim 9, further comprising generating a map based uponthe plurality of noise level measurements and the plurality of locationdata.
 12. The method of claim 9, further comprising receiving a uniqueidentifier associated with each noise level measurement and eachlocation data.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein the plurality ofmobile devices comprise a plurality of headsets, the method furthercomprising: detecting a headset worn state of a headset; measuring anoise level at a headset microphone of the headset; and transmitting thenoise level from the headset to a remote computing device.
 14. Themethod of claim 9, further comprising adjusting a sound masking volumelevel utilizing the plurality of noise level measurements.
 15. Themethod of claim 9, wherein the location comprises a conference room. 16.A system comprising: a plurality of mobile devices located within a samebuilding space; and a computing device comprising: a processor; and amemory storing an application program executable by the processor, theapplication program comprising instructions to receive a plurality ofnoise level measurements taken at the plurality of mobile deviceslocated within the same building space, and provide location services toa user directing the user to a geographical area having a higher noiselevel or a geographical area having a lower noise level.
 17. The systemof claim 16, further comprising a noise masking system, wherein theapplication program comprises further instructions to adjust a soundmasking volume level output from the noise masking system.
 18. Thesystem of claim 16, wherein the application program comprises furtherinstructions to receive from the plurality of mobile devices a locationdata associated with each mobile device in the plurality of mobiledevices.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the application programcomprises further instructions to generate a map based upon theplurality of noise level measurements and the location data associatedwith the plurality of mobile devices.
 20. The system of claim 16,wherein the geographical area having the higher noise level or thegeographical area having the lower noise level comprises a conferenceroom.